Telegram, the popular messaging app, could be facing a ban in India as the government has launched an investigation into the platform’s activities. This announcement follows the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov by French authorities at a Paris airport, leading to growing concerns over the app’s operations. Allegations against Telegram include involvement in criminal activities such as robbery and gambling, prompting the Indian government to scrutinize the app more closely.
The investigation is being spearheaded by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, operating under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the Union Ministry of Electronics and IT. With over five million registered users in India, Telegram’s future in the country hinges on the outcome of this probe. If the allegations are substantiated, the app could potentially be banned in India.
Launched in 2013, Telegram has gained significant global popularity, boasting over 90 million users worldwide. However, the app has recently come under suspicion in India due to its alleged role in the leaking of question papers for various high-profile exams, including UGC NET, MPPSC, UP Police Constable Recruitment, and NEET UG. These incidents have intensified concerns over the app’s security features, which allow users to remain anonymous, hiding their names, numbers, and photos, thereby facilitating illegal activities like exam paper leaks.
Meanwhile, Pavel Durov has been granted bail by French authorities, with a condition that he remains in the country and pays a bail amount of five million euros. As the Indian government’s investigation unfolds, the fate of Telegram in India remains uncertain, with millions of users awaiting the outcome.
